The first step in creating the vestment was to embellish the tapestry bought in Italy.  It measured approximately 14 x 22.

 

I then  used 10 M gold cable thread to fill in each ray by couching the threads.  Couching is the process where the thread is laid flat on the fabric and then tacked down at intervals with another thread.

 

The flowers on the mantle of her dress were outlined using a chain stitch with the same gold cable used on the rays.  The image of the Blessed Mother,  between her mantle and the rays, was outlined in the couch stitch using a thicker gold cording.

 

The outermost outline of the sunburst was satin machine stitched to secure the edges so that I could cut out the main image from the background and use it for an appliqué.